Video Issues with an external monitor attached to a DELL E6400

Just a few weeks ago, I received a new DELL E6400 with Intel Graphics Card.
Since day 1, I started to notice a strange behavior when I connect an external monitor to the VGA port of my laptop. No matter the resolution, the monitor shows horizontal and vertical blurry lines just like if it was a refresh rate issue.

I reported the issue to Dell, and they replaced my monitor, but the lines are still there...I checked the refresh rate and updated the video card drivers with no luck...

Have any of you experienced something like this?

I'm not using a docking station and I'm running windows XP with extended desktop...

 

I have not seen this problem reported by others.

1. Are you running the most recent Intel graphics driver?

2. Is the monitor cable built in to the monitor? If not, was it changed when the monitor was changed?

John

 

Hi John,

1. I'm using the most recent Intel Graphics Driver...I downloaded it from Dell.com
2. The monitor cable isn't built in to the monitor, so I changed it

This is a really weird issue. It looks like the pixel clock and pixel phase of the monitor are bad configured....

Another co-worker is facing the same issue with the E6400...so it's not only my laptop...

Thanks,

Isaac.

 

Do you have access to some other monitors of different types? if so, try them.

There are also various options for the Intel GPU (right click on desktop and select graphics properties). You can configure a custom mode, but I can't offer any advice on how to do it.

John

 

I'm using external Dell 2209WA - no problem occured since three months. I'm also using VGA connection. I did watch some HD movie's also on it .. no such problem occured. My dell has Intel GMA also.
I assume that there is something wrong with your Dell E6400 batch or... with monitor.

 

Hi,

I get a similar issues, some are related to Bios/firmware update and other related to hardware.

In my case, the E6400 uses Intel video driver. The VGA port wasn't sending any signal to the external monitor. I have tried 3 different monitors and get the same problem. I used another E6400 that was working updated the Bios/firmware and then I swapped the hard drive to test if it was a software or hardward related, so it worked on the other system, so I can say that it is hardward.
Then I called Dell and they come to replace the system board.

On your side, try to find out another E6400 that works with an external monitor and swap your hard drive with it. Try it at least on two different monitors, if it works you could say that your hardware is defective.
When calling Dell, explain them that you have swapped hard drive and tested different monitor, so you should get a system board replacement.

Hope it will help you!

 

Hi all,

I have connected EIZO S2233 equiped with DisplayPort to DisplayPort on E6400 with standard M-M DisplayPort cable.

However, Eizo will not detect signal on DisplayPort input, VGA works as usually, at least.

Also, NVIDIA NVS 160M drivers does not detect external display at all.
The same on Windows XP SP3 and Windows 7.

I have NVIDIA drivers and BIOS updated (01/2010) and also Windows 7 is patched to latest level.

I wonder if DisplayPort on E6400 is working actually.

Can anybody confirm that DisplayPort->DisplayPort works with EIZO monitors equiped with DisplayPort via DisplayPort cable ?

Thanks in advance,
Peter.

Also asked here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5871469#post5871469

 

I can't check an E6400 at the moment, but I'm wondering if the display port vs. VGA port can be toggled in the BIOS setup?

GK

 

Resolved! It was my fault ....
I have used displayport cable for the first time and did not realize that it must be pushed to the end quit hard.. I spotted that aprox. 1 milimeter was out.. after I pushed cable firmly picture on external display (S2233) appeared.

So I am happy now again
Peter.

PS: anyway thanks for your response.

 

I had the same problem as the original poster, when I hooked up an external monitor to my M6400 there was a lot of static type interference with a shimmering effect - but when I unplugged the power supply to the laptop they disappeared - a bit of googleing later and I discovered it was to do with both the laptop and monitor being earthed - (UK plug & supply by the way) - Solved this by using the 2 pronged plug that came with the monitor and jamming it into the live & neutral outlets of the socket - Lines gone instantly and the laptop power supply serves as an earth for both - IF you cant jam the 2 prongs into your socket or feel its not that safe try getting hold of a travel adapter with a UK plug.